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| PFC Raymond Laferriere served in the 9th Armored Division in Germany. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/113318204/raymond-laferriere https://www.worldwarphotos.info/gallery/usa/tanks/sherman-tank/m4-9th-armdivision-leutesdorf-22mar45/ |
Raymond Laferriere never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on December 2, 1919 in Massachusetts. His parents Alphonse and Ruth were born in Vermont and Massachusetts, respectively. His grandparents on his father's side were French Canadians. His father worked as a rubber mill cutter and later as a tire maker. Raymond was an only child. By 1940 Raymond was still living with his parents. He had completed two years of high school and was working as a machinist.
He volunteered to serve in the army in September 1942. He started off in the Army Air Forces, but he was transferred out to the army, He became a private first class in the 27th Armored Infantry Battalion, 9th Armored Division. He joined his unit in February 1945 as a replacement. Shortly thereafter, the 9th AD was the first American unit to cross the Rhine at Remagen. By April the focus was to eliminate the remaining German units in the Ruhr Pocket. The 9th AD was one of the 13 divisions assigned to this task.
PFC Laferriere was killed in action on April 13, 1945 when the 9th AD was in action near Breitingen, Germany.
His grave is at Saint Joseph's Cemetery in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
Last year on this date I profiled B-25 pilot Ralph Keller. You can read about Ralph here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
Dear PFC. Laferriere, Thank you for your service to your country! You were part of the greatest generation that sacrificed much for us! I was a child at the time but I can tell you we idolized our soldiers, you were all heroes to us! I am sorry that you were not able live out your life. I am also sorry that your Family had to live out their lives without you! God Bless You and thank you again! I know you can hear me now!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your service with such bravery, loyalty, and honor defening and protecting your country with the highest sacrifice was your life . You are now among the Heros in Gods loving arms Rest in Peace . I Salute You Sir PFC lafemere ! God Bless Sincerely christine
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